§ 37. Mr. H. Hyndasked the President of the Board of Trade how much was expended in re-equipping British textile mills with new machinery in the last complete year before the abolition of initial allowances, and in a comparable period of 12 months since then.
§ Mr. H. StraussDeliveries of textile machinery to the home market during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1952, 1904 amounted in value to £34½ million. Deliveries during the six months ended the 30th September, 1952, were at an annual rate of £262/3 million.
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the heavy unemployment prevalent in the textile machinery making industry and the fact that the initial allowances were removed at a time of full employment, would the Parliamentary Secretary try to convince the Chancellor of the Exchequer that a restoration of the initial allowances might be a contribution towards reducing unemployment in that industry?
§ Mr. StraussIn view of the fact that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer heard what the hon. Gentleman said, I do not think any communication will be necessary.